If you live in a state with toll roads, you’ve probably seen the signs for E-ZPass and wondered what it is. Do you need it? How much does it cost? Is it worth it? We break down the pros and cons of having an E-ZPass account as a driver.
If you aren’t an E-ZPass account holder, you are (by default) a Tolls By Mail Customer
If you have an E-ZPass account, you are able to use the electronic tolling system and avoid having to stop at a toll booth. Your transponder is read as you pass through the tolling gantry, and your account is automatically debited for the cost of the toll. If you don’t have an E-ZPass account, you’ll receive a bill in the Mail for the cost of the toll plus a processing fee.
The main difference between being an E-ZPass account holder and a Tolls By Mail Customer is that with an E-ZPass account, you can take advantage of electronic tolling and avoid having to stop at a toll booth. This can save you time, especially if you frequently travel on highways that use electronic tolling. Additionally, E-ZPass account holders typically get a discount on the cost of tolls, while Tolls By Mail Customers do not.
E-ZPass Overview
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows users to pay for tolls without stopping at a toll booth. Instead, users attach a small device called a transponder to their windshield. The transponder communicates with sensors at the toll plaza, and the appropriate amount is deducted from the user’s E-ZPass account.
E-ZPass is accepted at all toll plazas in the states of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia. In some states (like New York), E-ZPass customers also get a discount on tolls.
If you’re an E-ZPass account holder and you drive through a toll plaza in a state that doesn’t accept E-ZPass, you’ll be charged the “toll by mail” rate. The “toll by mail” rate is usually higher than the E-ZPass rate, so it’s important to know which states accept E-ZPass before you travel.
E-ZPass is a convenient way to pay for tolls, but it’s important to remember that you’re still responsible for paying your tolls even if you have an E-ZPass account. If you don’t pay your tolls, you may be subject to fines and penalties. E-ZPass Account Holders with insufficient funds or faulty transponders will automatically be issued violations at the time they pass through the toll.
Tolls by Mail Customer Overview
When you drive on a tolled road or bridge without an E-ZPass account, cameras record your license plate and a bill for the toll is mailed to you. If you get 10 or more unpaid bills within 18 months, your vehicle registration is suspended.
The Tolls by Mail program offers two options for customers without an E-ZPass account: Pay By Plate and Pay By Plate BA.
Pay By Plate: You will receive one bill in the Mail for each toll transaction. The bill will include a photo of your vehicle and the date, time, and location of the toll transaction. You can pay online, by Mail, or in person at a Tolls by Mail Customer Service Center.
Pay By Plate BA: You will receive one bill in the Mail every 30 days for all of the toll transactions that occurred during that period. The bill will include a photo of your vehicle and the date, time, and location of each toll transaction. You can pay online, by Mail, or in person at a Tolls by Mail Customer Service Center.
If you have any questions about the Tolls by Mail program, please contact the Customer Service Center at 1-877-863-5337.
The Difference Between the Two
E-ZPass account holders and customers who pay their tolls by Mail may seem like they are in the same boat, but there are actually some key differences between the two. Here’s a look at the main distinctions between E-ZPass account holders and Tolls by Mail customers:
E-ZPass account holders have a transponder attached to their vehicle that automatically deducts the toll from their account as they pass through the toll booth. Tolls by mail customers, on the other hand, do not have a transponder and must pay their tolls manually either online or through the Mail.
E-ZPass account holders typically get a discount on their tolls, while customers who pay by Mail do not. This is because E-ZPass account holders are considered to be lower-risk customers since they’re less likely to skip out on paying their tolls.
If you miss a toll payment when you’re an E-ZPass customer, you’ll usually just get charged a small administrative fee. But if you’re a customer who pays by Mail and you miss a payment, you could end up getting fined or having your vehicle registration suspended.
Overall, E-ZPass account holders have an easier time paying their toll
Pros and Cons of E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail
There are two ways to pay for your tolls in New York – E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail. Which one is better for you?
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that uses transponders to automatically deduct tolls from your account as you pass through toll plazas. You can sign up for E-ZPass online or at any participating E-ZPass retailer.
Tolls by Mail is a program that bills motorists who do not have E-ZPass for their tolls using photographs of their license plate. Tolls are then paid by Mail or online.
Both programs have their pros and cons. Here’s a rundown of each:
E-ZPass:
Pros:
-You don’t have to stop at the toll plaza – your transponder will be read as you drive through
-You get a discount on most tolls (up to 25%)
-You can use your E-ZPass on toll roads in other states
Cons:
-You have to remember to keep your account funded – if not, you may be subject to penalties or fines
-Your personal information (including credit card number) is stored on
Which is Better for You?
As an E-ZPass account holder, you have the convenience of automatically paying your tolls without having to fumble for cash or wait in long lines at the toll booth. You also save money on your tolls by receiving discounts that are not available to those who pay by Mail.
However, there are a few downsides to having an E-ZPass account. If you forget to pay your monthly bill or your account balance runs low, you may be charged a penalty fee. And if you travel out of state, you may be responsible for paying the difference between the tolls in your home state and the state where you are traveling.
Tolls By Mail customers avoid these potential fees by simply paying their tolls when they receive their monthly statement in the Mail. They also don’t have to worry about keeping their account balance up-to-date, since they are only billed for the tolls they actually use.
So which is better for you? It depends on your personal preferences and travel habits. If you’re someone who likes to have everything taken care of automatically, then an E-ZPass account may be the way to go. But if you’re someone who prefers to pay as you go or doesn’t travel
How to Sign Up for E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail
If you live in the northeast, chances are you’ve seen those little blue E-ZPass transponders attached to car windshields. With E-ZPass, drivers can breeze through toll plazas without having to fumble for cash. But what is E-ZPass, and how do you sign up?
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that is used on most highways in the northeastern United States. Drivers with E-ZPass can pay their tolls automatically, without having to stop at a toll booth or use cash.
If you’re interested in signing up for E-ZPass, you can do so online or at participating retail locations. To sign up online, you’ll need to provide your name, address, email address, and credit card information. You’ll also need to choose a password and create an account.
Once you’ve signed up for E-ZPass, you’ll be able to add your transponder to your account and start using it right away. If you’re signing up at a retail location, they’ll usually give you a transponder that’s already been activated.
If you don’t want to sign up for E-ZPass, you can still use the toll roads
If you’re an E-ZPass account holder, you know the benefits of having a hassle-free way to pay for your tolls. But what if you’re not an account holder? Are you missing out on anything? As it turns out, being a Tolls by Mail customer isn’t as bad as it seems. Sure, you have to wait for your invoice in the Mail and then pay your tolls, but that’s really the only downside. You don’t have to worry about keeping track of your balance or getting hit with fees and penalties, so overall it’s a pretty good deal. Of course, if you travel frequently or want the absolute easiest way to pay for your tolls, then an E-ZPass account is probably the better option. But if convenience isn’t your top priority, then Tolls by Mail is definitely worth considering. If you’ve received an E-ZPass or Tolls By Mail violation, contact TORTOLL to see how we can save you time and money!
